local expert: Whaddya' Mean Easter? It's Freezing In Lake Ridge, Virginia - 01/16/09 12:36 PM

 
Today, January 16 the temperature outside our Lake Ridge home this afternoon is 19 degrees.  As I was reading the residents copy of LAKE RIDGE TODAY there was an article about the
Eggstravangaza
Saturday, April 11, 2009 9:00 AM SHARP!!! LRPRA Office. 12350 Oakwood Drive Meet the Easter Bunny and hunt for eggs.  All children age 0-10 are eligible.  Parents must pre-register children by Wednesday April 8
Living in Lake Ridge we have an ongoing family of bunnies living in our front and rear yard.  Believe it or not, I saw them outside this morning.  It hardly seemed appropriate to be … (2 comments)

local expert: Charlestown, Springfield, Virginia - Year End Report - 01/15/09 12:37 PM
The all brick town homes of Charlestown are in one of the most convenient locations in Springfield, Virginia
Commuters to the Pentagon, Washington, DC and all National Capital Area work centers that are served by Metorail enjoy the multitude of options that are available to them. Fort Belvoir is about a 20 minute drive. There are three shopping centers within approximately 5 minutes All three grade level schools are only minutes away Charlestown is impeccably maintained For a more detailed report on the many attributes of the community see CHARLESTOWN

The Kruschka Team has 33 years full time experience in the … (2 comments)

local expert: Cardinal Forest Condominiums Springfield, VA - Community Profile - 01/13/09 05:38 AM
Cardinal Forest Condominiums have always been and will continue to be popular with all age groups.  The five primary reasons are:
Central Springfield location Affordability  Several shopping centers are within a few blocks  There are more than 1,000 units featuring brick construction Elementary, Junior and Senior High schools are less than 10 minutes away There are two type homes available 
Two level town homes with either 2 or 3 bedrooms or Garden apartments with either 1 or 2 bedrooms  Commuting
Metrobus Route 18G Express Service to the Pentagon Metro Station operates on Forrester Boulevard The scheduled time to the Pentagon is 30 minutes … (0 comments)

local expert: When Is A Potomac Club Condominium Not A Condominium? - 01/11/09 10:52 AM
Never, but most certainly not when a real estate agent decides to say it is not a condominium.  That determination is made when the builder develops plans, files for construction permits and the project is approved.
Here in Prince William County there is a subdivision named Potomac Club Condominium - it consists of hundreds of homes - every single one of them is a condominium - there are no exceptions
Today, while performing a client search for homes in Potomac Club I found several properties classified as "fee simple" properties.  Fee simple means they are not a condominium.  Why do agents do this when the … (2 comments)

local expert: Belmont Bay Condominiums, Woodbridge, Virginia - Year End Report - 01/11/09 10:38 AM
2007    22 condominium units sold at an average net sales price of $424,428 2008    22 condominium units sold at an average net sales price of $269,968 A 36% decline Belmont Bay is one of 3 attractive communities in eastern Prince William County that are a product of the new mixed-use concept that maximizes land use where land availability is limited.  It is in an extremely attractive location along the Occoquan River as you cross over from Fairfax County.  There are both town homes, detached homes and condominiums.  
Primary features are
a central plaza with a grassy area and gazebo a private, membership marina the … (0 comments)

local expert: Rippon Lodge circa 1725 - 01/07/09 09:28 AM
 

Rippon Lodge is thought to be the oldest colonial home in Prince William County and quite possibly in Northern Virginia.
It was built about 1725 by Richard Black-burn of Ripon, an old cathedral town in England.  Colonel Thomas Blackburn, his son, was a contemporary and fought with George Washington.  In that period the families of Mount Vernon and Rippon were on very intimate terms.  George Washington even made reference in his diary to overnight stays at Rippon Lodge with Mrs. Washington.
Its' ownership changed over the years, but was last owned by Admiral Richard Blackburn Black, another descendant of the … (1 comments)

local expert: Yes Virginia, There Is A Post Office In Lake Ridge - 01/06/09 02:14 AM
There is a postal sub-station in The Festival At Lake Ridge.  It provides most of the services found at a "real" post office except it does not , for example, issue postal money orders.  It is usually less crowded than the post office off Golansky Boulevard behind BJ's.  Let's face it - a trip to the postal sub-station requires less gas and is worth the effort.  Saving gas is one of those ideas nowadays where "less is best".  Even though the store may be open later the sub-station closes at the same time as the full service post ofice.
Be assured the School … (2 comments)

local expert: Sorry, There Isn't One In Lake Ridge, Woodbridge, Virginia - 01/06/09 01:51 AM
There are 5,233 Elm Streets in the U.S. and not one of them is in Lake Ridge.  We have over 7,500 residences, approximately 38,000 residents and NO MAYOR 
However, Lake Ridge has eveything you would expect to find in a typical American small town with a mayor.
Elementary schools, middle school and senior high school Three shopping centers Public transportation to the Pentagon, Washington, DC and all National Capital Area work centers Churches of many denominations Fire and rescue service in the community US Post Office annex Restaurants to please every taste, every age group and every pocketbook More miles of shoreline … (0 comments)

local expert: Army Museum To Open At Fort Belvoir in 2013 - 01/05/09 10:44 AM

 
Fort Belvoir is one of our country's most prominent military installations.  It will be home to the National Army Museum scheduled to open in 2013.
Fort Belvoir is approximately 30 minutes south of Washington, DC and 10 minutes from Mount Vernon, home of the nation's first Commander-In-Chief. The proposed site is on North Post along the Fairfax County Parkway just two miles from I-95 and US 1.
The main building will be approximately 175,000 square feet.  There will also be a memorial garden, park and parade ground.  "Service and Sacrifice" will be the theme reflecting on the Army's defense … (0 comments)

local expert: It's Almost Youth Soccer Time In Lake Ridge, Virginia - 01/04/09 10:47 AM

 
It's hard to believe, but in less than four weeks   (February 1) the Lake Ridge Instructional Youth Soccer League will start accepting registrations with registration ending on February 28, 2009
The good news is the kids won't begin the season until the end of March with games being played on Sunday afternoons
The league is instructional and emphasizes fundamentals and team play as opposed to competition
League fees are $50 for LRPRA members and $55 for non-LRPRA members
For more information please call the Recreation Department at 703-491-2154
The primary reason we have made Lake Ridge our home for … (0 comments)

local expert: Lake Ridge, Woodbridge, Virginia - A Resident's Perspective - 01/03/09 08:40 AM

 
My wife and I are starting our 27th year in Lake Ridge - we both have lived here longer than anywhere else in our lives.
In today's society it is unusual for someone to stay in one place for that length of time.  Well, the only reason is we believe we have truly found home.
We have done more than just live here and enjoy the beauty of Lake Ridge - we have been active participants in the life of the community.
We've spent 11 of those 27 years active with both Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts.  We are … (6 comments)

local expert: Prince William County Virginia Realtor® Interviewed On Greek TV - 01/02/09 10:16 AM
In October of 2008 my wife, Karen, was contacted by a producer with Skai TV in Athens, Greece.  They were planning a show named "The Crisis From A To Z" regarding our financial and real estate problems.
Since Prince William County, Virginia has figured prominently in the news regarding foreclosures they were seeking a "seasoned" real estate person to tour eastern Prince William County with them.  They found Karen's website as well as her Active Rain Posts and realized she was "their girl"
The show starts on Wall Street and works its' way to Prince William County and beyond.  Karen's segment … (0 comments)

local expert: "For The Want Of A Nail" In Springfield, Fairfax County, Virginia - 12/31/08 09:24 AM
 
Our first association with Fischer's was in the early '80s.  Our family enjoyed camping and we were constantly on the lookout for items that would make our stay in the woods a bit more enjoyable.  Fischer's was the only place we could find Strike Anywhere Matches.  Since then we have looked to them for antiquing finishes - they have an exceptionally fine inventory of refinishing supplies and nails
Opened in 1953, Fischer's remains a family owned business.  Old fashioned, friendly service, wide selection and quality are the store's number 1 priority.  They can be found at 6129 Backlick Road, Springfield, Virginia … (0 comments)

local expert: Military Personnel - Please Think Long And Hard Before Buying A DC Area Home - 12/30/08 09:05 AM
Relocating to the National Capital Area has never been easy for military personnel due to the higher than the national average prices of our homes.  However, it would seem to be easier now when you consider 
The current housing market price decline coupled with The 2009 BASIC ALLOWANCE FOR HOUSING RATES A BIG WORD OF CAUTION - There are any number of Realtors® that will tell you it is a great time to buy a home - that is true, but consider the following.
THIS IS THE PERSPECTIVE OF A Realtor® who has been in this business for 33 years in Northern Virginia.  My … (2 comments)

local expert: Lake Ridge, Woodbridge, Prince William County, Virginia 3 Level Town Home Market Report - 12/30/08 08:08 AM
There are so many reasons why we selected Lake Ridge as our home 26 years ago. 
Elementary schools, middle school and senior high school in the community Three shopping centers Public transportation to the Pentagon and all other National Capital Area work centers Churches of many denominations Fire and rescue service in the community US Post Office annex Restaurants to please every taste, every age group and every pocketbook More miles of shoreline than any other Prince William County community Public golf course Public boat launch facilities Five pools, community centers, gigantic playground, tot lots and tennis courts Commercial office space Medical … (0 comments)

local expert: Lake Ridge, Woodbridge, VA - Three Level Garage Town Home Market Report - 12/29/08 06:54 AM
There are so many reasons why we selected Lake Ridge as our home 26 years ago. 
Elementary schools, middle school and senior high school in the community Three shopping centers Public transportation to the Pentagon and all other National Capital Area work centers Churches of many denominations Fire and rescue service in the community US Post Office annex Restaurants to please every taste, every age group and every pocketbook More miles of shoreline than any other Prince William County community Public golf course Public boat launch facilities Five pools, community centers, gigantic playground, tot lots and tennis courts Commercial office space Medical … (2 comments)

local expert: Lake Ridge, Woodbridge, Virginia 2 Car Garage Detached Home Market Report - 12/29/08 12:45 AM
There are so many reasons why we selected Lake Ridge as our home 26 years ago. 
Elementary schools, middle school and senior high school in the community Three shopping centers Public transportation to the Pentagon and all other National Capital Area work centers Churches of many denominations Fire and rescue service in the community US Post Office annex Restaurants to please every taste, every age group and every pocketbook More miles of shoreline than any other Prince William County community Public golf course Public boat launch facilities Five pools, community centers, gigantic playground, tot lots and tennis courts Commercial office space Medical and … (0 comments)

local expert: "The Boys Of Summer" Live On In Lake Ridge, Virginia - 12/28/08 08:36 AM

 
The college and professional football season is rapidly coming to a close with college bowl games and the Super Bowl.  Before long the dogwood will be in bloom - the crack of the bat will again be foremost in our minds.
Lake Ridge is doing its' part to keep "America's Pastime" alive with Instructional T-Ball.
Players will be taught the four fundamentals of the game
Batting Fielding Throwing Running bases For older kids there will be Coach Pitch training - older meaning 7 to 8.  Both leagues will be instructional and emphasize fundamentals of the game of baseball and … (0 comments)

local expert: Reasons To Consider Lake Ridge Virginia As Your Home #2 - 12/26/08 06:49 AM
Karen has been writing regularly about the "Reasons To Consider Lake Ridge Virginia As Your Home".  They are well done and I thought it wise to repost them periodically



 
This is the second in an ongoing series to highlight the reasons Lake Ridge is one of the most popular communities in Northern Virginia aside from its' ease of commuting to Northern Virginia military bases, Washington, DC and all National Capital Area business centers
The Lake Ridge Parks and Recreation Association sponsors numerous events throughout the year to provide recreational activities for residents of all ages and interest. Each … (0 comments)

local expert: Lake Ridge 1 Car Garage Detached Home Market Report Prepared By A Resident - 12/20/08 07:16 AM
There are so many reasons why we selected Lake Ridge as our home 26 years ago. 
Elementary schools, middle school and senior high school in the community Three shopping centers Public transportation to the Pentagon and all other National Capital Area work centers Churches of many denominations Fire and rescue service in the community US Post Office annex Restaurants to please every taste, every age group and every pocketbook More miles of shoreline than any other Prince William County community Public golf course Public boat launch facilities Five pools, community centers, gigantic playground, tot lots and tennis courts Commercial office space Medical … (2 comments)